New Delhi:Suakati Gram Panchayat in Kendujhar District has brought immense pride to Odisha by securing a prestigious Jury Award at the 22nd National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. This significant recognition marks a historic moment as it’s the first time the Gram Panchayats category has been included in the national awards, highlighting the growing emphasis on digital empowerment at the grassroots level.
The National Awards for e-Governance, presented annually by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, aim to commend and promote excellence in the implementation of e-Governance initiatives across the country. Suakati Gram Panchayat stands among only three local bodies nationwide to receive a Jury Award in this newly introduced and highly competitive category, underscoring its exceptional efforts in leveraging technology to enhance service delivery for its citizens. Palsana Gram Panchayat from Gujarat and Lalitpur Municipal Council from Uttar Pradesh were the other two recipients of the Jury Award.
The inclusion of the Gram Panchayats category in the 22nd NAeG 2025 signifies a crucial step towards recognizing the deepening and widening impact of digitization at the local level. These awards celebrate initiatives that go beyond traditional methods to create tangible improvements in public services, fostering greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for rural communities.
While the specific e-governance initiatives undertaken by Suakati Gram Panchayat that led to this award are yet to be fully detailed, the recognition itself speaks volumes about their commitment to digital transformation. Their success serves as an inspiration for other Gram Panchayats to embrace technology and bring governance closer to the people.
The 22nd NAeG 2025 awards were presented across six distinct categories, acknowledging diverse approaches to digital governance, including government process re-engineering, innovation through AI and new-age technologies, cybersecurity practices, and grassroots initiatives. Gold awardees received an incentive of ₹10 lakh, while Silver awardees received ₹5 lakh, alongside a trophy and certificate. These funds are intended to further support the implementation of digital projects and bridge resource gaps in public welfare initiatives.
This recognition for Suakati Gram Panchayat not only celebrates their achievement but also reinforces Odisha’s growing footprint in the national e-governance landscape, showcasing its dedication to digital inclusion and citizen-centric services.